Lacing system with guide elements

ABSTRACT

An article of footwear with various types of guide elements is disclosed. The article of footwear provides a set of tensile elements that can be moved through the guide elements to switch between a loosened and tightened position of the upper. The tensile elements may be routed through a guide element associated with the upper that can provide compressive strength and support.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation in part of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. ______, currently U.S. Patent Publication Number 201410360047,published on Dec. 11, 2014, and also currently U.S. application Ser. No.14/310,586, filed Jun. 20, 2014, entitled “Automatic Lacing System,”which application is a continuation of U.S. Pat. No. ______, currentlyU.S. Patent Publication Number 2014/0026440, published Jan. 30, 2014,and also currently U.S. application Ser. No. 13/955,007, filed Jul. 31,2013, entitled “Automatic Lacing System”, which application is acontinuation of U.S. Pat. No. 8,522,456, currently U.S. application Ser.No. 13/236,221, entitled “Automatic Lacing System”, filed on Sep. 19,2011, and issued on Sep. 3, 2013, which application is a division ofU.S. Pat. No. 8,046,937, currently U.S. application Ser. No. 12/114,022,entitled “Automatic Lacing System”, filed on May 2, 2008, and issued onNov. 1, 2011, which applications are hereby incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates generally to footwear, and in particularthe present invention relates to a lacing system for an article offootwear.

SUMMARY

Embodiments can include provisions to facilitate the guidance of lace orother tensile elements along various portions or components of anarticle of footwear.

In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article offootwear, comprising an upper, a first guide element attached to theupper, and a first tensile element. The first tensile element isconfigured to adjust the upper, and is routed through the first guideelement. Furthermore, the first tensile element moves through the firstguide element when tension is applied to the first tensile element toadjust the upper, and the rigidity of the first guide element is greaterthan the rigidity of the first tensile element.

In another aspect, the present disclosure is directed to an article offootwear, comprising an upper, a guide element attached to the upper,and a tensile dement. The tensile element is routed through the guideelement, and the tensile element is configured to adjust the upper whentension is applied to the tensile element. Furthermore, the guideelement is incorporated in a first portion of the upper, and thecompressive strength of the guide element is greater than thecompressive strength of the first portion of the upper. In addition, thecurvature of the guide element is substantially similar to the curvatureof the first portion of the upper in which the guide element isincorporated.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the embodiments willbe, or will become, apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art uponexamination of the following figures and detailed description. It isintended that all such additional systems, methods, features andadvantages be included within this description and this summary, bewithin the scope of the embodiments, and be protected by the followingclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention can be better understood with reference to the followingdrawings and description. The components in the figures are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustratingthe principles of the invention. Moreover, in the figures, likereference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout thedifferent views.

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an embodiment of an article of footwear;

FIG. 2 is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a lacing system;

FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a lacingsystem;

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a hollow plate;

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a hollow plate;

FIG. 6 is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a lacing system;

FIG. 7 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a lacingsystem;

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a segmented hollowplate;

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a segmented hollowplate;

FIG. 10 is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a lacing system;

FIG. 11 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a lacingsystem;

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a series of hollowchannels;

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a series of hollowchannels;

FIG. 14 is a side cross sectional view of an embodiment of an article offootwear including a lacing system;

FIG. 15 is an exploded isometric view of an embodiment of a lacingsystem;

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a series of hollowtubes;

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of a series of hollowtubes;

FIG. 18 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a guide element;

FIG. 19 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a guide element; and

FIG. 20 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a guide element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 is an embodiment of article of footwear (“article”) 100, alsoreferred to simply as article 100, in the form of an athletic shoe. Forclarity, the following detailed description discusses severalembodiments, however, it should be kept in mind that the presentembodiments could also take the form of any other kind of footwear,including, for example, skates, boots, ski boots, snowboarding boots,cycling shoes, formal shoes, slippers or any other kind of footwear.

In some embodiments, article 100 in some embodiments includes upper 102.In one case, upper 102 may include entry opening 105 that allows foot106 to enter upper 102. In other cases, upper 102 also includes aninterior cavity that is configured to receive foot 106. In particular,entry opening 105 can provide access to the interior cavity.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may be associated with a sole structure104. In a one embodiment, upper 102 is attached to sole structure 104.In some cases, upper 102 is connected to sole structure 104 by stitchingor an adhesive. In other cases, upper 102 could be integrally formedwith sole structure 104.

In some embodiments, sole structure 104 includes a midsole. In otherembodiments, sole structure 104 could also include an insole that isconfigured to contact a foot 106, shown in dotted lines in FIG. 1. Inother embodiments, sole structure 104 could include an outsole that isconfigured to contact a ground surface. In one embodiment, solestructure 104 may comprise a midsole as well as an outsole and aninsole.

Generally, upper 102 may have any design. In some embodiments, upper 102may have the appearance of a low top sneaker. In other embodiments,upper 102 may have the appearance of a high top sneaker. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, upper 102 may include a high ankle portion 132. Inparticular, upper 102 may include a first extended portion 181 and asecond extended portion 182. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, first extendedportion 181 and second extended portion 182 have generally triangularshapes. In other embodiments, first extended portion 181 and secondextended portion 182 could have another shape. Examples of other shapesinclude, but are not limited to, rounded shapes, rectangular shapes,polygonal shapes, regular shapes as well as irregular shapes. Using thisconfiguration for ankle portion 132 may help provide upper 102 withadditional support for an ankle 108.

Article 100 may include provisions for tightening upper 102 around foot106. In some embodiments, article 100 may be associated with laces,straps and/or fasteners for tightening upper 102 once foot 106 has beeninserted into upper 102. In some cases, article 100 may include laces,straps and/or fasteners that can be manually adjusted by a user. In oneembodiment, article 100 may include provisions for automaticallyadjusting laces, straps and/or other fasteners associated with upper102. By using automatically adjusting laces, straps and/or otherfasteners, upper 102 may be tightened around a foot with a minimalamount of effort from a user. In other embodiments, upper 102 may betightened manually by a user.

In some embodiments, upper 102 may include individual tightening systemsassociated with different portions of upper 102. In this exemplaryembodiment, upper 102 may include a lacing system that is associatedwith arch portion 130 of upper 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, a firstlacing system 122 is shown. Likewise, upper 102 may include automaticankle cinching system 124 that is associated with ankle portion 132 ofupper 102. In one embodiment, first lacing system 122 and automaticankle cinching system 124 may be configured to automatically tightenand/or loosen upper 102 around foot 106 and ankle 108.

In different embodiments, first lacing system 122 in some embodimentsincludes a plurality of tensile elements. The term tensile elements asused throughout this detailed description and in the claims refers toany device that can be used for tightening and/or fastening a portion ofan article of footwear to a foot. For example, in some cases, tensileelements may include laces, cords, straps, wires, belts, strands,strings or any other fastener elements. Generally, a tensile elementcould have any shape. In some embodiments, a tensile element could havea rectangular or ribbon-like shape. However, it should be understoodthat the term tensile element is not intended to be restricted totightening devices with ribbon-like shapes. In other embodiments, forexample, a tensile element could have a lace-like shape. In still otherembodiments, a lacing system could be associated with other types offasteners.

Additionally, a tensile element could be made of any material. Examplesof materials that could be used include, but are not limited to,leather, natural fabric, synthetic fabric, metal, rubber, as well asother materials. In some embodiments, a strap could be any type of wovenstrap as well. In particular, a tensile element could be woven from anymaterial known in the art for producing woven tensile elements.

Generally, a lacing system can include any number of tensile elements.In some embodiments, only a single tensile element may be provided. Inother embodiments, multiple tensile elements may be provided. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, first lacing system 122 includes four tensileelements, including a first strap 111, a second strap 112, a third strap113 and a fourth strap 114. For clarity, first strap 111, second strap112, third strap 113 and fourth strap 114 may be referred tocollectively as a first strap set 115. It should be understood that inother embodiments, first strap set 115 may include any type of tensileelement, as described above.

In this embodiment, first strap set 115 is disposed beneath a lacing gap107 of upper 102. In one embodiment, first strap set 115 may beconfigured to adjust the size of lacing gap 107. As the size of lacinggap 107 is adjusted, the sidewall portions of upper 102 may move closertogether or further apart. With this arrangement, as first strap set 115is adjusted, upper 102 can be opened and/or closed around the arch offoot 106.

Generally, first strap set 115 may be arranged in any direction on upper102. In some embodiments, first strap set 115 could extend in agenerally longitudinal direction. In some embodiments, first strap set115 may be arranged in a lateral direction with respect to upper 102.The term “lateral direction” as used in this detailed description and inthe claims refers to a direction extending from a medial side of upper102 to a lateral side of upper 102. In other words, the lateraldirection in some embodiments extends along the width of upper 102.

Furthermore, first strap set 115 may include any type of spacing betweenadjacent straps. In some embodiments, the spacing between adjacentstraps could vary. In other embodiments, one or more straps may crossover, or intersect with, one another. In one embodiment, the straps offirst strap set 115 may be substantially evenly spaced. In particular,the width between adjacent portions of two straps remains substantiallyconstant. In other words, the straps may be approximately parallel atadjacent portions.

Although a lacing system is configured to tighten and/or loosen upper102 at arch portion 130 in the current embodiment, in other embodiments,a lacing system could be associated with another portion of upper 102.For example, in another embodiment, the automatic lacing system could beconfigured to tighten upper 102 at a side portion of upper 102.Additionally, a lacing system could be associated with a toe portion ofupper 102. In still another embodiment, a lacing system could beassociated with a heel region of upper 102.

Automatic ankle cinching system 124 in some embodiments includes atleast one ankle tensile element. In some embodiments, automatic anklecinching system 124 may include multiple ankle tensile elements. In theembodiment of FIG. 1, automatic ankle cinching system 124 includes anankle strap 150. Ankle strap 150 could be any type of tensile element,including any type of tensile element previously discussed with respectto the tensile element of first lacing system 122. In some embodiments,ankle strap 150 could be a similar type of strap to the straps of firststrap set 115. In other embodiments, ankle strap 150 could be adifferent type of tensile element from the straps of first strap set115.

In some embodiments, automatic ankle cinching system 124 also includesprovisions for receiving a portion of ankle strap 150. In thisembodiment, automatic ankle cinching system 124 includes a housing 160that is configured to receive a portion of ankle strap 150, Housing 160could be located anywhere on ankle portion 132 of upper 102. In somecases, housing 160 could be disposed on a side of ankle portion 132. Inother cases, housing 160 could be disposed on at the front of ankleportion 132. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, housing 160 may bedisposed on a rear portion 161 of ankle portion 132.

As will be discussed below, the automatic lacing systems describedherein may include different types of guide elements to facilitate theguidance of tensile elements throughout various regions of article offootwear 100. However, it should be understood that the embodimentsdescribed herein need not be associated with automatic lacing systems.For example, descriptions relating to the guide elements and tensileelements may be applied to any article of footwear, including articlesof footwear that do not include a lacing system. In addition, the guideelements and tensile elements disclosed herein may be used with articlesof footwear that include lacing systems that differ from the lacingsystems described above.

For purposes of this description, guide elements include structures suchas tubes, channels, or hollow plates that can facilitate the route ororientation of a tensile element. Furthermore, guide elements mayprovide protection or support to tensile elements. Guide elements canvary in size, shape, length, position, and/or arrangement in article offootwear 100. Guide elements may include a hollow portion or chamberthrough which a tensile element may extend. A variety of guide elementswill be discussed below; however, it should be understood that theexamples are for illustrative purposes, and that a wide range of guideelements may be used.

A guide element may be made of any substantially rigid material.Examples of various materials that could be used to make a guide elementinclude, but are not limited to, plastic, rigid rubber, metal and wood,as well as other materials. In one embodiment, guide elements are madeof a substantially rigid plastic. In other embodiments, guide elementsmay comprise a composite material. In some embodiments, a guide elementis made of a material that is substantially more rigid than the upper.In some embodiments, the rigidity of guide elements may allow tensileelements to move more smoothly and readily through the guide element,and facilitate the translation of a tensile element in differentdirections through the guide element. In some embodiments, the rigidityor stiffness of the guide element is greater than the rigidity orstiffness of the tensile element with which it is associated. Thegreater stiffness of guide elements relative to tensile elements canprovide the support to tensile elements. Furthermore, the materialsassociated with guide elements may provide the guide element with highcompressive strength relative to the portion of the upper in which theyare incorporated. For example, in some cases, the compressive strengthof the guide elements can allow the guide elements to resist deformationand maintain a substantially unobstructed route for the sliding oftensile elements within the guide elements, as will be discussed furtherbelow.

FIGS. 1-5 illustrate an embodiment of the operation of a first lacingsystem 122 with automatic ankle cinching system 124 of article 100. Inother embodiments, automatic ankle cinching system 124 may not bepresent, and first lacing system 122 may be used without an automaticankle cinching system. Initially, as seen in FIG. 1, article 100 may beconfigured to receive foot 106. In particular, first lacing system 122and automatic ankle cinching system 124 may be each configured in anopen position. In this open position, entry opening 105 may be wideopen. Additionally, in this open position, lacing gap 107 may also bewide open. In some embodiments, this open position of first lacingsystem 122 and/or automatic ankle cinching system 124 may be associatedwith an open, or loosened, configuration or position of upper 102. Inlater configurations, first lacing system 122 and/or automatic anklecinching system 124 may include a closed or tightened configuration,where lacing gap 107 is narrower. In the closed configuration orposition, there may be an increase in the tension associated withvarious portions of upper 102. The closed configuration may be used forsecuring a foot within an article of footwear in some embodiments.

FIGS. 2-5 are intended to illustrate in detail the individual componentsand operation of first lacing system 122. It should be understood thatthe following detailed description discusses several embodiments for alacing system. In other embodiments, some of which are discussed below,some provisions or components of these systems could be optional.Furthermore, in other embodiments, additional provisions or componentscould be provided to these systems.

FIG. 2 illustrates an assembled isometric view and FIG. 3 illustrates anexploded isometric view, respectively, of first lacing system 122. Forpurposes of clarity, a portion of upper 102 has been cut away in FIG. 2.As previously discussed, first lacing system 122 may include first strapset 115. In one embodiment, first lacing system 122 also includesprovisions for moving first strap set 115, In the embodiment of FIGS.2-5, first lacing system 122 preferably includes a fastener movingmechanism 202. The term “fastener moving mechanism” as used throughoutthis detailed description and in the claims refers to any mechanismcapable of providing motion to one or more tensile elements withoutrequiring work to be performed by the user.

In some embodiments, fastener moving mechanism 202 includes provisionsfor powering first lacing system 122. Generally, any type of powersource can be utilized. Various types of power sources include, but arenot limited to, electrical power sources, mechanical power sources,chemical power sources, as well as other types of power sources. In someembodiments, fastener moving mechanism 202 includes a motor 230. Motor230 could be any type of motor, including, but not limited to, anelectric motor, an electrostatic motor, a pneumatic motor, a hydraulicmotor, a fuel powered motor or any other type of motor. In oneembodiment, motor 230 is an electric motor that transforms electricalenergy into mechanical energy.

Generally, motor 230 may be associated with an electrical power sourceof some kind. In some cases, motor 230 could be associated with anexternal battery. In still other cases, motor 230 could include aninternal battery. In one embodiment, motor 230 may be configured toreceive power from a battery 299. Battery 299 could be any type ofbattery. In some embodiments, battery 299 could be a disposable battery.Examples of different types of disposable batteries include, but are notlimited to, zinc-carbon, zinc-chloride, alkaline, silver-oxide, lithiumdisulfide, lithium-thionyl chloride, mercury, zinc-air, thermal,water-activated, nickel oxyhydroxide, and paper batteries. In oneembodiment, battery 299 could be a rechargeable battery of some kind.Examples of rechargeable batteries include, but are not limited tonickel-cadmium, nickel-metal hydride and rechargeable alkalinebatteries.

Generally, battery 299 could be disposed in any portion of article 100.In some embodiments, battery 299 could be associated with an ankle cuffof article 100. In other embodiments, battery 299 could be disposed inanother portion of upper 102. In one embodiment, battery 299 may bedisposed in a portion of sole structure 104. This arrangement in someembodiments helps to protect battery 299 from the elements and directcontact with a foot of the wearer.

Generally, the size of battery 299 may vary. In some embodiments,battery 299 could have a length in the range of 10 mm to 50 mm.Furthermore, battery 299 could have a width in the range of 10 mm to 50mm. In one embodiment, battery 299 has a width of about 30 mm.Furthermore, battery 299 in some embodiments has a length of about 40mm.

In some embodiments, article 100 may include provisions for rechargingbattery. In some cases, an inductive charger may be used. In othercases, a USB-based charger may be used. In still other cases, othertypes of charging provisions can be used. In one embodiment, solestructure 104 includes a charging port 297. In this embodiment, chargingport 297 may be a mini-USB type charging port. Furthermore, chargingport 297 may be electrically connected with battery 299 via anelectrical circuit of some kind. In some embodiments, charging port 297can be coupled to a battery charger of some kind. With this arrangement,power can be transferred to battery 299 from an external power source inorder to recharge battery 299.

Motor 230 may be connected to a driveshaft 232. In particular, motor 230is in some embodiments configured to provide torque to driveshaft 232 torotate driveshaft 232. Furthermore, driveshaft 232 may include one ormore gears for transferring power to first strap set 115. In oneembodiment, driveshaft 232 may include first gear 240 and second gear242.

In some embodiments, fastener moving mechanism 202 may include one ormore belts for transferring power to first strap set 115, In thisembodiment, fastener moving mechanism 202 may include a first belt 250and a second belt 252. In some embodiments, first belt 250 and secondbelt 252 are configured to engage with first gear 240 and second gear242, respectively. In one embodiment, first belt 250 and second belt 252are serpentine belts that move laterally with respect to sole structure104 as first gear 240 and second gear 242 are rotated.

In some embodiments, first belt 250 and second belt 252 may be attachedto a yoke member that is associated with first strap set 115. In thisembodiment, a first attachment portion 260 of first belt 250 may beattached directly to a yoke member 270. Also, a second attachmentportion 262 of second belt 252 may be attached directly to yoke member270.

In some embodiments, each tensile element of first strap set 115 is alsodirectly attached to yoke member 270. In this embodiment, first endportion 281 of first strap 111 is attached to yoke member 270. Likewisesecond strap 112, third strap 113 and fourth strap 114 are in someembodiments attached to yoke member 270 at similar end portions. Thisarrangement provides for a yoking configuration of first strap 111,second strap 112, third strap 113 and fourth strap 114. With thisarrangement, first strap 111, second strap 112, third strap 113 andfourth strap 114 may move substantially in unison at first end portion290 of first strap set 115. This in some embodiments allows thetightening and loosening of upper 102 to be applied evenly over archportion 130 of upper 102.

Generally, yoke member 270 could be any type of yoke. In someembodiments, yoke member 270 could be a curved yoke. For example, somecases yoke member 270 could be a bow yoke. In other embodiments, yokemember 270 may be substantially straight. In one embodiment, yoke member270 has an approximately cylindrical bar or rod shape. With thisarrangement, multiple tensile elements may be connected along theentirety of the length of yoke member 270 in a generally parallelmanner.

In some embodiments, article 100 includes provisions for receiving oneor more components of fastener moving mechanism 202. In someembodiments, one or more components of fastener moving mechanism 202 maybe disposed within upper 102. In other embodiments, one or morecomponents of fastener moving mechanism 202 may be disposed within solestructure 104. In one embodiment, sole structure 104 may include aninterior cavity that is configured to receive multiple components offastener moving mechanism 202.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, sole structure 104 in some embodimentsincludes an interior cavity 1285. Generally, interior cavity 285 mayhave any shape. Examples of different shapes include, but are notlimited to, circular shapes, oval shapes, square shapes, rectangularshapes, polygonal shapes, regular shapes, irregular shapes as well asother kinds of shapes. In this exemplary embodiment, interior cavity 285has a generally rectangular shape.

Interior cavity 285 is in some embodiments configured to receive motor230. Additionally, interior cavity 285 may be configured to receivedriveshaft 232, including first gear 240 and second gear 242. Inparticular, interior cavity 285 may provide room or rotation ofdriveshaft 232, first gear 240 and second gear 242.

In some embodiments, interior cavity 285 may be disposed internallywithin sole structure 104. In other words, interior cavity 285 may bedisposed below an upper surface of sole structure 104. In otherembodiments, interior cavity 285 may be open at the upper surface ofsole structure 104. In other words, interior cavity 285 may be in fluidcommunication with an interior portion of upper 102.

In the current embodiment, interior cavity 285 includes an upper opening287 that is disposed on an upper surface 289 of sole structure 104. Inother words, interior cavity 285 is a recessed portion of upper surface289. In some embodiments, upper surface 289 of sole structure 104 may becovered by an insole to separate interior cavity 285 from a footreceiving cavity 291 of upper 102. With this arrangement, a foot may beprevented from contacting, and potentially interfering with, one or morecomponents of fastener moving mechanism 202 that may be disposed withininterior cavity 285.

In some embodiments, first lacing system 122 also includes provisionsfor guiding first strap set 115 within upper 102, also referred to as aguide element. A guide element may provide a mechanism for routingand/or facilitating the motion of tensile elements through upper 102. Inthe embodiment of FIG. 3, first lacing system 122 may include guideelement such as a hollow plate 300. In this embodiment, hollow plate 300may be associated with a first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102. Insome embodiments, hollow plate 300 may be disposed against an innersurface of first sidewall portion 302. In other embodiments, hollowplate 300 may be disposed against an outer surface of first sidewallportion 302. In one embodiment, hollow plate 300 may be integral withfirst sidewall portion 302. In other words, hollow plate 300 may bedisposed between an inner lining and an outer lining of upper 102 toprovide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302. In someembodiments, hollow plate 300 may include a greater rigidity than therigidity of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102. In otherembodiments where hollow plate 300 is disposed elsewhere along upper102, hollow plate 300 may include a greater rigidity of the portion ofupper 102 it is adjacent to. In addition, as noted above, in someembodiments, hollow plate 300 may have a rigidity that is greaterrelative to the rigidity of the tensile elements that hollow plate 300is associated with.

Referring to FIG. 3, hollow plate 300 may include openings for receivingstraps into, and releasing straps from, a hollow cavity of hollow plate300. In this embodiment, hollow plate 300 includes a first lower opening311, a second lower opening 312, a third lower opening 313 and a fourthlower opening 314, referred to collectively as a first lower opening set315. Additionally, hollow plate 300 may include a first upper opening321, a second upper opening 322, a third upper opening 323 and a fourthupper opening 324, referred to collectively as a first upper opening set325.

As illustrated in FIG. 3, a second end portion 330 of first strap 111may be inserted into hollow plate 300 at first lower opening 311 and mayexit from hollow plate 300 at first upper opening 321. In someembodiments, the second portions of second strap 112, third strap 113and fourth strap 114 may be similarly inserted into second lower opening312, third lower opening 313 and fourth lower opening 314, respectively.Likewise, the second end portions of second strap 112, third strap 113and fourth strap 114 may exit from hollow plate 300 at second upperopening 322, third upper opening 323 and fourth upper opening 324,respectively. With this arrangement, hollow plate 300 may serve as aguide for first strap set 115. In some embodiments, hollow plate 300helps reduce friction between the straps of first strap set 115 andupper 102 that might otherwise inhibit motion of the straps. Thus,hollow plate 300 can be configured to receive an intermediate portion ofthe straps.

Generally, hollow plate 300 could have any shape. In some embodiments,hollow plate 300 may be generally flat. In one embodiment, hollow plate300 may vary in height along different portions. In other embodiments,hollow plate 300 could be curved. In one embodiment, hollow plate 300could have a curved shape that substantially matches the contours offirst sidewall portion 302. Furthermore, hollow plate 300 in someembodiments extends from sole structure 104 to the top of first sidewallportion 302. With this arrangement, hollow plate 300 may help guidefirst strap set 115 through the interior of upper 102.

Generally, hollow plate 300 could have any thickness. In someembodiments, hollow plate 300 could have a thickness much greater thanthe lining of upper 102. In other embodiments, hollow plate 300 couldhave a thickness that is substantially less than the lining of upper102. In one embodiment, hollow plate 300 has a thickness that issubstantially similar to the thickness of the lining of upper 102. Withthis arrangement, hollow plate 300 in some embodiments does notsubstantially interfere with the motion and flexibility of upper 102 atfirst sidewall portion 302.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow plate 300 along the lateral direction, as indicated in FIG. 3.Referring to FIG. 4, hollow plate 300 may include individual passagesfor receiving each strap of first strap set 115. In the differentembodiments disclosed herein, passages may be substantially hollow, orthey may include portions of tensile elements. In this embodiment,hollow plate 300 includes a first strap receiving passage 341, a secondstrap receiving passage 342, a third strap receiving passage 343 and afourth strap receiving passage 344 that are configured to receive firststrap 111, second strap 112, third strap 113 and fourth strap 114,respectively. Straps may exit or enter from first upper opening 321,second upper opening 322, third upper opening 323 and fourth upperopening 324.

Generally, hollow plate 300 could have passages of any shape. In thecurrent embodiment, first strap receiving passage 341, second strapreceiving passage 342, third strap receiving passage 343 and fourthstrap receiving passage 344 have a slightly curved shape since hollowplate 300 has an approximately curved shape. However, in otherembodiments, the passages of a hollow plate could also be approximatelystraight.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow plate 300 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated in FIG. 3.Referring to FIG. 5, the individual passages shown in FIG. 4 are shownin a lateral cross-section. FIG. 5 illustrates a cross-section of firststrap receiving passage 341, second strap receiving passage 342, thirdstrap receiving passage 343 and fourth strap receiving passage 344 thatare configured to receive first strap 111, second strap 112, third strap113 and fourth strap 114 (shown in FIG. 3), respectively.

In some embodiments, the strap receiving passages could be much largerthan the straps of first strap set 115. In one embodiment, thedimensions of first strap receiving passage 341, second strap receivingpassage 342, third strap receiving passage 343 and fourth strapreceiving passage 344 are substantially similar to the dimensions of thestraps of first strap set 115. With this arrangement, first strapreceiving passage 341, second strap receiving passage 342, third strapreceiving passage 343 and fourth strap receiving passage 344 may beconfigured as guides that allow for a smooth sliding movement of eachstrap through hollow plate 300 without allowing for unwanted bending,twisting or other modes of motion that may inhibit this smooth slidingmovement. For example, if the strap receiving passages are too large,the strap may bunch or fold within the strap receiving passage ratherthan slide through the strap receiving passage smoothly. In anotherexample, if the lace receiving passages are too narrow, the lace mayexperience increased friction and/or erratic movement through thepassages.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, a second lacing system 623 is shown.Second lacing system 623 includes four tensile elements, including afirst strap 611, a second strap 612, a third strap 613 and a fourthstrap 614. For clarity, first strap 611, second strap 612, third strap613 and fourth strap 614 may be referred to collectively as a secondstrap set 615. It should be understood that in other embodiments, firststrap set 115 may include any type of tensile element, as describedabove.

FIGS. 6-9 are intended to illustrate in detail some of the individualcomponents and operation of second lacing system 623. FIG. 6 illustratesan assembled isometric view and FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded isometricview, respectively, of second lacing system 623. For purposes ofclarity, a portion of upper 102 has been cut away in FIG. 6. Aspreviously discussed, second lacing system 623 may include second strapset 615.

It should be understood that in the embodiments described below, thelacing systems may incorporate, include, or comprise one or moreprovisions for moving or interacting with tensile elements such asdiscussed with reference to FIGS. 1-5. For example, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 6, second lacing system 623 includes a fastenermoving mechanism 602. In still other embodiments, each of the lacingsystems disclosed herein may include one or more belts, gears, or yokemembers. Furthermore, sole structure 104 may include an interior cavity,or one or more motors, driveshafts, batteries, and other components orstructural variations as described with respect to FIGS. 1-5.

Thus, as shown in FIG. 7, in some embodiments, first belt 250 and secondbelt 252 may be attached to a yoke member that is associated with secondstrap set 615. In this embodiment, first attachment portion 260 of firstbelt 250 may be attached directly to yoke member 270. Also, secondattachment portion 262 of second belt 252 may be attached directly toyoke member 270.

In one embodiment, each strap of second strap set 615 is also directlyattached to yoke member 270. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, first endportion 281 of first strap 611 is attached to yoke member 270. Likewisesecond strap 612, third strap 613 and fourth strap 614 are attached toyoke member 270 at similar end portions. This arrangement provides for ayoking configuration of first strap 611, second strap 612, third strap613 and fourth strap 614. With this arrangement, first strap 611, secondstrap 612, third strap 613 and fourth strap 614 may move substantiallyin unison at first end portion 290 of second strap set 615. In someembodiments, this can allow the tightening and loosening of upper 102 tobe applied evenly over arch portion 130 of upper 102.

In one embodiment, article 100 includes provisions for receiving one ormore components of fastener moving mechanism 202, as described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-5. Furthermore, second lacing system 623 canalso include provisions for guiding second strap set 615 within upper102. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, second lacing system 623 may include aguide element such as a hollow plate set 700. In some embodiments,hollow plate set 700 may comprise a series of segmented portions,similar to the segmentation of hollow plate 300 in FIG. 3. As shown inFIG. 7, hollow plate set 700 comprises a first hollow plate 702, asecond hollow plate 704, a third hollow plate 706, and a fourth hollowplate 708.

In this embodiment, hollow plate set 700 may be associated with firstsidewall portion 302 of upper 102, as shown in FIG. 6. In someembodiments, hollow plate set 700 may be disposed against an innersurface of first sidewall portion 302. In other embodiments, hollowplate set 700 may be disposed against an outer surface of first sidewallportion 302. In one embodiment, hollow plate set 700 may be integralwith first sidewall portion 302. In other words, hollow plate set 700may be disposed between an inner lining and an outer lining of upper 102to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302. In someembodiments, hollow plate set 700 may include a greater rigidity thanthe rigidity of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102. In otherembodiments where hollow plate set 700 is disposed elsewhere along upper102, hollow plate set 700 may include a greater rigidity of the portionof upper 102 it is adjacent to. In addition, as noted above, in someembodiments, hollow plate set 700 may have a rigidity that is greaterrelative to the rigidity of the tensile elements that hollow plate set700 is associated with.

Referring to FIG. 7, each of first hollow plate 702, second hollow plate704, third hollow plate 706, and fourth hollow plate 708 may includeopenings for receiving straps into, and releasing straps from, a hollowcavity. In the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, first hollow plate 702 includesa first lower opening 711, second hollow plate 704 includes a secondlower opening 712, third hollow plate 706 includes a third lower opening713 and fourth hollow plate 708 includes a fourth lower opening 714,referred to collectively as a second lower opening set 715.Additionally, first hollow plate 702 includes a first upper opening 721,second hollow plate 704 includes a second upper opening 722, thirdhollow plate 706 includes a third upper opening 723 and fourth hollowplate 708 includes a fourth upper opening 724, referred to collectivelyas a second upper opening set 725.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, a second end portion 330 of first strap 611may be inserted into first hollow plate 702 at first lower opening 711and may exit from first hollow plate 702 at first upper opening 721. Insome embodiments, the second portions of second strap 612, third strap613 and fourth strap 614 may be similarly inserted into second loweropening 712, third lower opening 713 and fourth lower opening 714,respectively. Likewise, the second end portions of second strap 612,third strap 613 and fourth strap 614 may exit from each of the hollowplates of hollow plate set 700 at second upper opening 722, third upperopening 723 and fourth upper opening 724, respectively. With thisarrangement, each hollow plate of hollow plate set 700 may serve as aguide for second strap set 615. Thus, in some embodiments, first hollowplate 702, second hollow plate 704, third hollow plate 706, and fourthhollow plate 708 help reduce friction between the straps of second strapset 615 and upper 102 that might otherwise inhibit motion of the straps.Thus, hollow plate set 700 can be configured to receive an intermediateportion of the straps.

Generally, each of the hollow plates in hollow plate set 700 could haveany shape. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow plate 702 maybe generally flat. In one embodiment, first hollow plate 702 may besubstantially rectangular, or strip-like. In other embodiments, firsthollow plate 702 could be curved. In one embodiment, first hollow plate702 could have a curved shape that substantially matches the contours offirst sidewall portion 302, Furthermore, first hollow plate 702 mayextend from sole structure 104 to the top of first sidewall portion 302.With this arrangement, first hollow plate 702 may help guide secondstrap set 615 through the interior of upper 102.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, first hollow plate 702 maymatch the contours of first sidewall portion 302 that it is adjacent to.Thus, as first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 may curve upward andincrease in height from a forefoot region 620 toward a midfoot region622, and/or from midfoot region 622 to a heel region 624, first hollowplate 702, second hollow plate 704, third hollow plate 706, and fourthhollow plate 708 may increase in height to follow the contours of firstsidewall portion 302. Such a design may enhance the ability of hollowplate set 700 to serve as a guide for second strap set 615, as strapsare routed through fastener moving mechanism 602. Variations in thecurvature of the structure of the hollow plates will be discussedfurther below with reference to FIGS. 18-20.

In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow plates or a greaternumber of hollow plates in hollow plate set 700. For example, in oneembodiment there may be three or less hollow plates. In anotherembodiment, there may be five or more hollow plates. As will bediscussed further below with reference to FIGS. 18-20, there may also beembodiments where only a single hollow plate is incorporated into anarticle of footwear. Furthermore, it should be understood that in otherembodiments, the hollow plates may be disposed along different regionsof an article of footwear. For example, referring to FIG. 6, one or morehollow plates may instead be located along forefoot region 620, midfootregion 622, and/or heel region 624 of upper 102.

Generally, each hollow plate of hollow plate set 700 could have anythickness. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow plate 702could have a thickness much greater than the lining of upper 102. Inother embodiments, first hollow plate 702 could have a thickness that issubstantially less than the lining of upper 102. In one embodiment,first hollow plate 702 has a thickness that is substantially similar tothe thickness of the lining of upper 102. With this arrangement, firsthollow plate 702 may not substantially interfere with the motion andflexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow plate set 700 along the lateral direction, as shown in FIG. 7.Referring to FIG. 8, hollow plate set 700 includes individual passagesalong each hollow plate for receiving each strap of second strap set615. In this embodiment, hollow plate set 700 includes a first strapreceiving passage 741 in first hollow plate 702, a second strapreceiving passage 742 in second hollow plate 704, a third strapreceiving passage 743 in third hollow plate 706, and a fourth strapreceiving passage 744 in fourth hollow plate 708. Each strap receivingpassage is configured to receive first strap 611, second strap 612,third strap 613 and fourth strap 614, respectively. Straps may exit orenter from first upper opening 721, second upper opening 722, thirdupper opening 723 and fourth upper opening 724.

Generally, as discussed with respect to hollow plate 300 of FIGS. 2-5,hollow plate set 700 could have passages of any shape. In the currentembodiment, first strap receiving passage 741, second strap receivingpassage 742, third strap receiving passage 743 and fourth strapreceiving passage 744 have a slightly curved shape since first hollowplate 702, second hollow plate 704, third hollow plate 706, and fourthhollow plate 708 each have an approximately curved shape. However, inother embodiments, the passages of a hollow plate set could also beapproximately straight.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow plate set 700 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated in FIG.7. Referring to FIG. 9, the individual passages shown in FIG. 8 areshown in a longitudinal cross-section. FIG. 9 illustrates first strapreceiving passage 741, second strap receiving passage 742, third strapreceiving passage 743 and fourth strap receiving passage 744 that areconfigured to receive first strap 611, second strap 612, third strap 613and fourth strap 614 (shown in FIG. 7), respectively.

In some embodiments, the strap receiving passages of hollow plate set700 could be much larger than the straps of second strap set 615. In oneembodiment, the dimensions of first strap receiving passage 741, secondstrap receiving passage 742, third strap receiving passage 743 andfourth strap receiving passage 744 are substantially similar to thedimensions of the straps of second strap set 615. Thus, with thisarrangement, first strap receiving passage 741, second strap receivingpassage 742, third strap receiving passage 743 and fourth strapreceiving passage 744 may be configured as guides that allow for asmooth sliding movement of each strap through hollow plate set 700without allowing for unwanted bending, twisting or other modes of motionthat may inhibit this smooth sliding movement. For example, as notedabove, if the strap receiving passages are too large, the strap maybunch or fold within the strap receiving passage rather than slidethrough the strap receiving passage smoothly. Furthermore, if the lacereceiving passages are too narrow, the lace may experience increasedfriction and/or erratic movement through the passages. In addition, inone embodiment, by increasing the degree of segmentation betweenadjacent strap receiving passages, hollow plate set 700 can allow formore flexibility along sidewall portion 302 (or the portion of upper 102in which hollow plate set 700 is incorporated) as the channels areprovided with space to bend or curve.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-13, a third lacing system 1022 is shown.Third lacing system 1022 includes six tensile elements, including afirst strap 1011, a second strap 1012, a third strap 1013, a fourthstrap 1014, a fifth strap 1016, and a sixth strap 1017. For clarity,first strap 1011, second strap 1012, third strap 1013, fourth strap1014, fifth strap 1016, and sixth strap 1017 may be referred tocollectively as a first strap set 1015. It should be understood that inother embodiments, first strap set 1015 may include any type of tensileelement, as described above.

FIGS. 10-13 are intended to illustrate in detail some of the individualcomponents and operation of third lacing system 1022. FIG. 10illustrates an assembled isometric view and FIG. 11 illustrates anexploded isometric view, respectively, of third lacing system 1022. Forpurposes of clarity, a portion of upper 102 has been cut away in FIG.10. As previously discussed, third lacing system 1022 may include firststrap set 1015.

It should be understood that in the embodiments described below, thelacing systems may incorporate, include, or comprise one or moreprovisions for moving or interacting with tensile elements such asdiscussed with reference to FIGS. 1-9. For example, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 10, third lacing system 1022 includes a fastenermoving mechanism 1002. In still other embodiments, some of the lacingsystems disclosed herein may include one or more belts, gears, or yokemembers. Furthermore, sole structure 104 may include an interior cavity,or one or more motors, driveshafts, batteries, and other components orstructural variations as described with respect to FIGS. 1-9.

Thus, in some embodiments, first belt 250 and second belt 252 may beattached to a yoke member that is associated with second strap set 615.In this embodiment, first attachment portion 260 of first belt 250 maybe attached directly to yoke member 270. Also, second attachment portion262 of second belt 252 may be attached directly to yoke member 270.

In one embodiment, each lace of first strap set 1015 is also directlyattached to yoke member 270. In the embodiment of FIG. 10, first endportion 281 of first strap 1011 is attached to yoke member 270. Likewisesecond strap 1012, third strap 1013, fourth strap 1014, fifth strap1016, and sixth strap 1017 are attached to yoke member 270 at similarend portions. This arrangement provides for a yoking configuration offirst strap 1011, second strap 1012, third strap 1013, fourth strap1014, fifth strap 1016, and sixth strap 1017. With this arrangement,first strap 1011, second strap 1012, third strap 1013, fourth strap1014, fifth strap 1016, and sixth strap 1017 may move substantially inunison at first end portion 290 of first strap set 1015. In someembodiments, this can allow the tightening and loosening of upper 102 tobe applied evenly over arch portion 130 of upper 102.

In one embodiment, article 100 includes provisions for receiving one ormore components of fastener moving mechanism 1002, as also describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1-9. Furthermore, third lacing system 1022can also include provisions for guiding first strap set 1015 withinupper 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 11, third lacing system 1022 mayinclude a guide dement such as a hollow channel set 1100. Hollow channelset 1100 may comprise a first hollow channel 1102, a second hollowchannel 1104, a third hollow channel 1106, a fourth hollow channel 1108,a fifth hollow channel 1109, and a sixth hollow channel 1110. In otherembodiments, there may be fewer hollow channels or a greater number ofhollow channels in hollow channel set 1100. For example, in oneembodiment there may be three or less hollow channels. In anotherembodiment, there may be five or more hollow channels.

In this embodiment, hollow channel set 1100 may be associated with firstsidewall portion 302 of upper 102, as shown in FIG. 10. In someembodiments, hollow channel set 1100 may be disposed against an innersurface of first sidewall portion 302. In other embodiments, hollowchannel set 1100 may be disposed against an outer surface of firstsidewall portion 302. In one embodiment, hollow channel set 1100 may beintegral with first sidewall portion 302. In other words, hollow channelset 1100 may be disposed between an inner lining and an outer lining ofupper 102 to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302. Insome embodiments, hollow channel set 1100 may include a greater rigiditythan the rigidity of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102. In otherembodiments where hollow channel set 1100 is disposed elsewhere alongupper 102, hollow channel set 1100 may include a greater rigidity of theportion of upper 102 it is adjacent to. In addition, as noted above, insome embodiments, hollow channel set 1100 may have a rigidity that isgreater relative to the rigidity of the tensile elements that hollowchannel set 1100 is associated with.

Referring to FIG. 11, each of first hollow channel 1102, second hollowchannel 1104, third hollow channel 1106, fourth hollow channel 1108,fifth hollow channel 1109, and sixth hollow channel 1110 may includeopenings for receiving laces into, and releasing laces from, a hollowcavity. In the embodiment of FIGS. 10-13, first hollow channel 1102includes a first lower opening 1111, second hollow channel 1104 includesa second lower opening 1112, third hollow channel 1106 includes a thirdlower opening 1113, fourth hollow channel 1108 includes a fourth loweropening 1114, fifth hollow channel 1109 includes a fifth lower opening1115, and sixth hollow channel 1110 includes a sixth lower opening 1116,referred to collectively as a third lower opening set 1117.Additionally, first hollow channel 1102 includes a first upper opening1121, second hollow channel 1104 includes a second upper opening 1122,third hollow channel 1106 includes a third upper opening 1123, fourthhollow channel 1108 includes a fourth upper opening 1124, fifth hollowchannel 1109 includes a fifth upper opening 1126, and sixth hollowchannel 1110 includes a sixth upper opening 1127, referred tocollectively as a third upper opening set 1125.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, a second end portion 330 of first strap 1011may be inserted into first hollow channel 1102 at first lower opening1111 and may exit from first hollow channel 1102 at first upper opening1121. In some embodiments, the second portions of second strap 1012,third strap 1013, fourth strap 1014, fifth strap 1016, and sixth strap1017 may be similarly inserted into second lower opening 1112, thirdlower opening 1113, fourth lower opening 1114, fifth lower opening 1115,and sixth lower opening 1116, respectively. Likewise, the second endportions of second strap 1012, third strap 1013, fourth strap 1014,fifth strap 1016, and sixth strap 1017 may exit from each of the hollowchannels of hollow channel set 1100 at second upper opening 1122, thirdupper opening 1123, fourth upper opening 1124, fifth upper opening 1125,and sixth upper opening 1126, respectively, With this arrangement, eachhollow channel of hollow channel set 1100 may serve as a guide for firststrap set 1015. Thus, in some embodiments, first hollow channel 1102,second hollow channel 1104, third hollow channel 1106, fourth hollowchannel 1108, fifth hollow channel 1109, and sixth hollow channel 1110help reduce friction between the laces of first strap set 1015 and upper102 that might otherwise inhibit motion of the laces. Thus, hollowchannel set 1100 can be configured to receive an intermediate portion ofthe laces.

Generally, each of the hollow channels in hollow channel set 1100 couldhave any shape. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow channel1102 may be generally flat. In one embodiment, first hollow channel 1102may be similar to a rectangular or square cylinder, or a rectangularprism. In other embodiments, first hollow channel 1102 could be curved.In one embodiment, first hollow channel 1102 could have a curved shapethat substantially matches the contours of first sidewall portion 302.Furthermore, first hollow channel 1102 may extend from sole structure104 to the top of first sidewall portion 302. With this arrangement,first hollow channel 1102 may help guide first strap set 1015 throughthe interior of upper 102.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, first hollow channel 1102may match the contours of first sidewall portion 302 that it is adjacentto. Thus, as first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 may curve upwardand increase in height from a forefoot region 620 toward a midfootregion 622, and/or from midfoot region 622 to heel region 624, firsthollow channel 1102, second hollow channel 1104, third hollow channel1106, fourth hollow channel 1108, fifth hollow channel 1109, and sixthhollow channel 1110 may increase in height to follow the contours offirst sidewall portion 302. Such a design may enhance the ability ofhollow channel set 1100 to serve as a guide for first strap set 1015, aslaces are routed through fastener moving mechanism 1002.

In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow channels or a greaternumber of hollow channels in hollow channel set 1100. For example, inone embodiment there may be three or less hollow channels. In anotherembodiment, there may be five or more hollow channels. As will bediscussed further below with reference to FIGS. 18-20, there may also beembodiments where only a single hollow channel is incorporated into anarticle of footwear. Furthermore, it should be understood that in otherembodiments, the hollow channels may be disposed along different regionsof an article of footwear. For example, referring to FIG. 10, one ormore hollow channels may instead be located along forefoot region 620,midfoot region 622, and/or heel region 624 of upper 102.

Generally, each hollow channel of hollow channel set 1100 could have anythickness. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow channel 1102could have a thickness much greater than the lining of upper 102. Inother embodiments, first hollow channel 1102 could have a thickness thatis substantially less than the lining of upper 102. In one embodiment,first hollow channel 1102 has a thickness that is substantially similarto the thickness of the lining of upper 102. With this arrangement,first hollow channel 1102 may not substantially interfere with themotion and flexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302.

FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow channel set 1100 along the lateral direction, as shown in FIG.11. Referring to FIG. 12, hollow channel set 1100 includes individualtunnels along each hollow channel for receiving each lace of first strapset 1015. In this embodiment, hollow channel set 1100 includes a firststrap receiving passage 1141 in first hollow channel 1102, a secondstrap receiving passage 1142 in second hollow channel 1104, a thirdstrap receiving passage 1143 in third hollow channel 1106, a fourthstrap receiving passage 1144 in fourth hollow channel 1108, a fifthstrap receiving passage 1145 in fifth hollow channel 1109, and a sixthstrap receiving passage 1146 in sixth hollow channel 1110. Each strapreceiving passage is configured to receive first strap 1011, secondstrap 1012, third strap 1013, fourth strap 1014, fifth strap 1016, andsixth strap 1017, respectively. Laces may exit or enter from first upperopening 1121, second upper opening 1122, third upper opening 1123,fourth upper opening 1124, fifth upper opening 1125, and sixth upperopening 1126.

Generally, as discussed with respect to hollow plate 300 of FIGS. 2-5and hollow plate set 700 of FIGS. 6-9, hollow channel set 1100 couldhave passages of any shape. In the current embodiment, first strapreceiving passage 1141, second strap receiving passage 1142, third strapreceiving passage 1143, fourth strap receiving passage 1144, fifth strapreceiving passage 1145, and sixth strap receiving passage 1146 have aslightly curved shape since first hollow channel 1102, second hollowchannel 1104, third hollow channel 1106, fourth hollow channel 1108,fifth hollow channel 1109, and sixth hollow channel 1110 each have anapproximately curved shape. However, in other embodiments, the passagesof a hollow channel set could also be approximately straight.

FIG. 13 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow channel set 1100 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated inFIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 13, the individual passages shown in FIG. 12are shown in a longitudinal cross-section. FIG. 13 illustrates firststrap receiving passage 1141, second strap receiving passage 1142, thirdstrap receiving passage 1143, fourth strap receiving passage 1144, fifthstrap receiving passage 1145, and sixth strap receiving passage 1146that are configured to receive first strap 1011, second strap 1012,third strap 1013, fourth strap 1014, fifth strap 1016, and sixth strap1017 (shown in FIG. 11), respectively.

In some embodiments, the strap receiving passages of hollow channel set1100 could be much larger than the laces of first strap set 1015. In oneembodiment, the dimensions of first strap receiving passage 1141, secondstrap receiving passage 1142, third strap receiving passage 1143, fourthstrap receiving passage 1144, fifth strap receiving passage 1145, andsixth strap receiving passage 1146 are substantially similar to thedimensions of the laces of first strap set 1015. Thus, with thisarrangement, first strap receiving passage 1141, second strap receivingpassage 1142, third strap receiving passage 1143, fourth strap receivingpassage 1144, fifth strap receiving passage 1145, and sixth strapreceiving passage 1146 may be configured as guides that allow for asmooth sliding movement of each lace through hollow channel set 1100without allowing for unwanted bending, twisting or other modes of motionthat may inhibit this smooth sliding movement. For example, if the strapreceiving passages are too large, the lace may bunch or fold within thestrap receiving passage rather than slide through the strap receivingpassage smoothly. In another example, if the strap receiving passagesare too narrow, the lace may experience increased friction and/orerratic movement through the passages.

In some embodiments, hollow channel set 1100 can include varying lengthsand/or heights. For example, first hollow channel 1102 may differ inlength from second hollow channel 1104. In one embodiment, each of thelengths of first hollow channel 1102, second hollow channel 1104, thirdhollow channel 1106, fourth hollow channel 1108, fifth hollow channel1109, and sixth hollow channel 1110 can vary. In the embodiments ofFIGS. 11-13, first hollow channel 1102, second hollow channel 1104,third hollow channel 1106, fourth hollow channel 1108, fifth hollowchannel 1109, and sixth hollow channel 1110 form a step design. In otherwords, in some cases, the length of each channel can increase, such thatthe length of the channels increase in the direction from first hollowchannel 1102 to sixth hollow channel 1110. The variations in length of ahollow channel can accommodate straps or other tensile elements withdifferent lengths.

Furthermore, referring to hollow plate set 700 of FIGS. 6-9 and hollowchannel set 1100 of FIGS. 10-13, the further segmentation of hollowchannel set 1100 relative to hollow plate set 700 may allow hollowchannel set 1100 to better accommodate tensile elements with decreasedwidths relative to their thicknesses. In addition, the greater spacingbetween each guide element in hollow channel set 1100 can allow forstill further flexibility along first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102,or other portions of upper 102 that hollow channel set 1100 isincorporated.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, a fourth lacing system 1422 is shown.Fourth lacing system 1422 includes nine tensile elements, including afirst lace 1411, a second lace 1412, a third lace 1413, a fourth lace1414, a fifth lace 1416, a sixth lace 1417, a seventh lace 1418, aneighth lace 1419, and a ninth lace 1420. For clarity, first lace 1411,second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416,sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace1420 may be referred to collectively as a second lace set 1415. Itshould be understood that in other embodiments, second lace set 1415 mayinclude any type of tensile element, as described above.

FIGS. 14-17 are intended to illustrate in detail some of the individualcomponents and operation of fourth lacing system 1422. FIG. 14illustrates an assembled isometric view and FIG. 15 illustrates anexploded isometric view, respectively, of fourth lacing system 1422. Forpurposes of clarity, a portion of upper 102 has been cut away in FIG.14. As previously discussed, fourth lacing system 1422 may includesecond lace set 1415.

It should be understood that in the embodiments described below, thelacing systems may incorporate, include, or comprise one or moreprovisions for moving or interacting with tensile elements such asdiscussed with reference to FIGS. 1-13. For example, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 14, fourth lacing system 1422 includes a fastenermoving mechanism 1402. In still other embodiments, each of the lacingsystems disclosed herein may include one or more belts, gears, or yokemembers. Furthermore, sole structure 104 may include an interior cavity,or one or more motors, driveshafts, batteries, and other components orstructural variations as described with respect to FIGS. 1-13.

Thus, in some embodiments, first belt 250 and second belt 252 may beattached to a yoke member that is associated with second strap set 615.In this embodiment, first attachment portion 260 of first belt 250 maybe attached directly to yoke member 270. Also, second attachment portion262 of second belt 252 may be attached directly to yoke member 270.

In one embodiment, each lace of second lace set 1415 is also directlyattached to yoke member 270. In the embodiment of FIG. 14, first endportion 281 of first lace 1411 is attached to yoke member 270. Likewisesecond lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416,sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace1420 are attached to yoke member 270 at similar end portions. Thisarrangement provides for a yoking configuration of first lace 1411,second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416,sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace1420. With this arrangement, first lace 1411, second lace 1412, thirdlace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace 1417, seventhlace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace 1420 may move substantiallyin unison at first end portion 290 of second lace set 1415. In someembodiments, this can allow the tightening and loosening of upper 102 tobe applied evenly over arch portion 130 of upper 102.

In one embodiment, article 100 includes provisions for receiving one ormore components of fastener moving mechanism 1402, as also describedabove with respect to FIGS. 1-13. Furthermore, fourth lacing system 1422can also include provisions for guiding second lace set 1415 withinupper 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 15, fourth lacing system 1422 mayinclude a guide element such as a hollow tube set 1500.

Hollow tube set 1500 may comprise a first hollow tube 1502, a secondhollow tube 1503, a third hollow tube 1504, a fourth hollow tube 1505, afifth hollow tube 1506, a sixth hollow tube 1507, a seventh hollow tube1508, an eighth hollow tube 1509, and a ninth hollow tube 1510. In otherembodiments, there may be fewer hollow tubes or a greater number ofhollow tubes in hollow tube set 1500. For example, in one embodimentthere may be three or less hollow tubes. In another embodiment, theremay be five or more hollow tubes.

In this embodiment, hollow tube set 1500 may be associated with firstsidewall portion 302 of upper 102, as shown in FIG. 14. In someembodiments, hollow tube set 1500 may be disposed against an innersurface of first sidewall portion 302. In other embodiments, hollow tubeset 1500 may be disposed against an outer surface of first sidewallportion 302. In one embodiment, hollow tube set 1500 may be integralwith first sidewall portion 302. In other words, hollow tube set 1500may be disposed between an inner lining and an outer lining of upper 102to provide rigid support at first sidewall portion 302. In someembodiments, hollow tube set 1500 may include a greater rigidity thanthe rigidity of first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102. In otherembodiments where hollow channel tube set 1500 is disposed elsewherealong upper 102, hollow tube set 1500 may include a greater rigidity ofthe portion of upper 102 it is adjacent to. In addition, as noted above,in some embodiments, hollow tube set 1500 may have a rigidity that isgreater relative to the rigidity of the tensile elements that hollowtube set 1500 is associated with.

Referring to FIG. 15, each of first hollow tube 1502, second hollow tube1503, third hollow tube 1504, fourth hollow tube 1505, fifth hollow tube1506, sixth hollow tube 1507, seventh hollow tube 1508, eighth hollowtube 1509, and ninth hollow tube 1510 may include openings for receivinglaces into, and releasing laces from, a hollow cavity. In the embodimentof FIGS. 14-17, first hollow tube 1502 includes a first lower opening1511, second hollow tube 1503 includes a second lower opening 1512,third hollow tube 1504 includes a third lower opening 1513, fourthhollow tube 1505 includes a fourth lower opening 1514, fifth hollow tube1506 includes a fifth lower opening 1515, sixth hollow tube 1507includes a sixth lower opening 1516, seventh hollow tube 1508 includes aseventh lower opening 1517, eighth hollow tube 1509 includes an eighthlower opening 1518, and ninth hollow tube 1510 includes a ninth loweropening 1519, referred to collectively as a fourth lower opening set1520. Additionally, first hollow tube 1502 includes a first upperopening 1521, second hollow tube 1503 includes a second upper opening1522, third hollow tube 1504 includes a third upper opening 1523, fourthhollow tube 1505 includes a fourth upper opening 1524, fifth hollow tube1506 includes a fifth upper opening 1526, sixth hollow tube 1507includes a sixth upper opening 1527, seventh hollow tube 1508 includes aseventh upper opening 1528, eighth hollow tube 1509 includes an eighthupper opening 1529, and ninth hollow tube 1510 includes a ninth upperopening 1530, referred to collectively as a fourth upper opening set1525.

As illustrated in FIG. 15, a second end portion 330 of first lace 1411may be inserted into first hollow tube 1502 at first lower opening 1511and may exit from first hollow tube 1502 at first upper opening 1521. Insome embodiments, the second portions of second lace 1412, third lace1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace 1417, seventh lace1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace 1420 may be similarly insertedinto second lower opening 1512, third lower opening 1513, fourth loweropening 1514, fifth lower opening 1515, sixth lower opening 1516,seventh lower opening 1517, eighth lower opening 1518, and ninth loweropening 1519, respectively. Likewise, the second end portions of secondlace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixthlace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace 1420 mayexit from each of the hollow tubes of hollow tube set 1500 at secondupper opening 1522, third upper opening 1523, fourth upper opening 1524,fifth upper opening 1526, sixth upper opening 1527, seventh upperopening 1528, eighth upper opening 1529, and ninth upper opening 1530,respectively. With this arrangement, each hollow tube of hollow tube set1500 may serve as a guide for second lace set 1415. Thus, in someembodiments, first hollow tube 1502, second hollow tube 1503, thirdhollow tube 1504, fourth hollow tube 1505, fifth hollow tube 1506, sixthhollow tube 1507, seventh hollow tube 1508, eighth hollow tube 1509, andninth hollow tube 1510 help reduce friction between the laces of secondlace set 1415 and upper 102 that might otherwise inhibit motion of thelaces. Thus, hollow tube set 1500 can be configured to receive anintermediate portion of the laces.

Generally, each of the hollow tubes in hollow tube set 1500 could haveany shape. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow tube 1502 maybe generally flat. In one embodiment, first hollow tube 1502 may besimilar to a rounded cylinder. In other embodiments, first hollow tube1502 could be curved. In one embodiment, first hollow tube 1502 couldhave a curved shape that substantially matches the contours of firstsidewall portion 302. Furthermore, first hollow tube 1502 may extendfrom sole structure 104 to the top of first sidewall portion 302. Withthis arrangement, first hollow tube 1502 may help guide second lace set1415 through the interior of upper 102.

It should be noted that in some embodiments, first hollow tube 1502 maymatch the contours of first sidewall portion 302 that it is adjacent to.Thus, as first sidewall portion 302 of upper 102 may curve upward andincrease in height from a forefoot region 620 toward a midfoot region622, and/or from midfoot region 622 to heel region 624, first hollowtube 1502, second hollow tube 1503, third hollow tube 1504, fourthhollow tube 1505, fifth hollow tube 1506, sixth hollow tube 1507,seventh hollow tube 1508, eighth hollow tube 1509, and ninth hollow tube1510 may increase in height to follow the contours of first sidewallportion 302. Such a design may enhance the ability of hollow tube set1500 to serve as a guide for second lace set 1415, as laces are routedthrough fastener moving mechanism 1402.

In other embodiments, there may be fewer hollow channels or a greaternumber of hollow channels in hollow tube set 1500. For example, in oneembodiment there may be three or less hollow tubes. In anotherembodiment, there may be five or more hollow tubes. As will be discussedfurther below with reference to FIGS. 18-20, there may also beembodiments where only a single hollow tube is incorporated into anarticle of footwear. Furthermore, it should be understood that in otherembodiments, the hollow tubes may be disposed along different regions ofan article of footwear. For example, referring to FIG. 10, one or morehollow tubes may instead be located along forefoot region 620, midfootregion 622, and/or heel region 624 of upper 102.

Generally, each hollow tube of hollow tube set 1500 could have anythickness. For example, in some embodiments, first hollow tube 1502could have a thickness much greater than the lining of upper 102. Inother embodiments, first hollow tube 1502 could have a thickness that issubstantially less than the lining of upper 102, In one embodiment,first hollow tube 1502 has a thickness that is substantially similar tothe thickness of the lining of upper 102. With this arrangement, firsthollow tube 1502 may not substantially interfere with the motion andflexibility of upper 102 at first sidewall portion 302.

FIG. 16 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow tube set 1500 along the lateral direction, as shown in FIG. 15.Referring to FIG. 16, hollow tube set 1500 includes individual tunnelsalong each hollow tube for receiving each lace of second lace set 1415.In this embodiment, hollow tube set 1500 includes a first lace receivingpassage 1541 in first hollow tube 1502, a second lace receiving passage1542 in second hollow tube 1503, a third lace receiving passage 1543 inthird hollow tube 1504, a fourth lace receiving passage 1544 in fourthhollow tube 1505, a fifth lace receiving passage 1545 in fifth hollowtube 1506, a sixth lace receiving passage 1546 in sixth hollow tube1507, a seventh lace receiving passage 1547 in seventh hollow tube 1508,an eighth lace receiving passage 1548 in eighth hollow tube 1509, and aninth lace receiving passage 1549 in ninth hollow tube 1510. Each lacereceiving passage is configured to receive first lace 1411, second lace1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace 1416, sixth lace1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninth lace 1420,respectively. Laces may exit or enter from first upper opening 1521,second upper opening 1522, third upper opening 1523, fourth upperopening 1524, fifth upper opening 1526, sixth upper opening 1527,seventh upper opening 1528, eighth upper opening 1529, and ninth upperopening 1530.

Generally, as discussed with respect to hollow plate 300 of FIGS. 2-5,hollow plate set 700 of FIGS. 6-9, and hollow channel set 1100 of FIGS.10-13, hollow tube set 1500 could have passages of any shape. In thecurrent embodiment, first lace receiving passage 1541, second lacereceiving passage 1542, third lace receiving passage 1543, fourth lacereceiving passage 1544, fifth lace receiving passage 1545, sixth lacereceiving passage 1546, seventh lace receiving passage 1547, eighth lacereceiving passage 1548, and ninth lace receiving passage 1549 have aslightly curved and rounded shape since first hollow tube 1502, secondhollow tube 1503, third hollow tube 1504, fourth hollow tube 1505, fifthhollow tube 1506, sixth hollow tube 1507, seventh hollow tube 1508,eighth hollow tube 1509, and ninth hollow tube 1510 each have anapproximately rounded, cylindrical and curved shape. However, in otherembodiments, the passages of a hollow tube set could also beapproximately straight.

FIG. 17 is a cross sectional view of an embodiment of the interior ofhollow tube set 1500 in the longitudinal direction, as indicated in FIG.15. Referring to FIG. 17, the individual passages shown in FIG. 16 areshown in a longitudinal cross-section. FIG. 17 illustrates first lacereceiving passage 1541, second lace receiving passage 1542, third lacereceiving passage 1543, fourth lace receiving passage 1544, fifth lacereceiving passage 1545, sixth lace receiving passage 1546, seventh lacereceiving passage 1547, eighth lace receiving passage 1548, and ninthlace receiving passage 1549 that are configured to receive first lace1411, second lace 1412, third lace 1413, fourth lace 1414, fifth lace1416, sixth lace 1417, seventh lace 1418, eighth lace 1419, and ninthlace 1420 (shown in FIG. 15), respectively.

In some embodiments, the lace receiving passages of hollow tube set 1500could be much larger than the laces of second lace set 1415. In oneembodiment, the dimensions of first lace receiving passage 1541, secondlace receiving passage 1542, third lace receiving passage 1543, fourthlace receiving passage 1544, fifth lace receiving passage 1545, sixthlace receiving passage 1546, seventh lace receiving passage 1547, eighthlace receiving passage 1548, and ninth lace receiving passage 1549 aresubstantially similar to the dimensions of the laces of second lace set1415. Thus, with this arrangement, first lace receiving passage 1541,second lace receiving passage 1542, third lace receiving passage 1543,fourth lace receiving passage 1544, fifth lace receiving passage 1545,sixth lace receiving passage 1546, seventh lace receiving passage 1547,eighth lace receiving passage 1548, and ninth lace receiving passage1549 may be configured as guides that allow for a smooth slidingmovement of each lace through hollow tube set 1500 without allowing forunwanted bending, twisting or other modes of motion that may inhibit asmooth sliding movement. In one example, if the lace receiving passagesare too large, the lace may bunch or fold within the lace receivingpassage rather than slide through the lace receiving passage smoothly.In another example, if the lace receiving passages are too narrow, thelace may experience increased friction and/or erratic movement throughthe passages.

Furthermore, referring to hollow channel set 1100 of FIGS. 10-13 andhollow tube set 1500 of FIGS. 14-17, the increased curvature (orroundness) of the channels within each of the guide elements as shown inhollow tube set 1500—relative to the guide elements of hollow channelset 1100—may allow hollow tube set 1500 to better accommodate tensileelements that are rounded. For example, the rounded channels of hollowtube set 1500 can receive similarly rounded tensile elements (such ascords or laces), which may reduce issues like twisting of the tensileelements inside the guide elements. In addition, in some embodiments,rounded tensile elements may be disposed along many more paths throughupper 102 (including paths outside of the guide elements) as compared totensile elements of wider or flatter shapes. In addition, in one case, aflat tensile element may not transition between different portions ofupper 102 as smoothly as a rounded tensile element. In one case, withincorporation of a relatively wider or flat guide element (e.g., firsthollow channel 1102), the associated portions of upper 102 may not beable to flex as freely as portions of upper 102 that are associated witha rounded guide element (e.g., first hollow tube 1502). In some cases, arounded tensile element can also allow for minimal contact between theguide element and the portion of upper 102 in which the guide element isincorporated, permitting parts of upper 102 immediately adjacent to theguide elements to flex independently of the portions directly attachedto the guide element.

While FIGS. 1-17 generally depict guide elements (e.g., the hollowplates of FIGS. 6-9, the hollow channels of FIGS. 10-13, and/or thehollow tubes of FIGS. 14-17) as part of a group, it should be understoodthat each guide element may be incorporated or otherwise included in anarticle of footwear in isolation. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18-20,a single guide element may be used with an article of footwear. Forpurposes of clarity, only a portion of the guide elements areillustrated. However, it should be understood that each of the guideelements of FIGS. 18-20 may represent a fully formed guide element thatmay be incorporated into an article of footwear.

In FIG. 18, a first guide element 1800 is shown. First guide element1800 includes a first end 1810 and a second end 1820. In some cases,first guide element 1800 may be substantially similar to first hollowplate 702 (as shown in FIG. 7). However, in other embodiments, thecurvature of first guide element 1800 may be increased, and beassociated with a first angle 1850. First angle 1850 is substantiallyless than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the curvature of first guideelement 1800 may approximate or correspond to the curvature of the upperor other region of the article in which it is incorporated or otherwiseassociated with. In other words, in some embodiments, the contours offirst guide element 1800 may be configured to substantially correspondto the contours of the portion of upper 102 in which first guide element1800 is disposed (or adjacent to), allowing a smoother and/or morecomfortable fit. Furthermore, first guide element 1800 may include oneor more openings. In FIG. 18, first guide element 1800 has a firstopening 1812 associated with first end 1810 near the top of first guideelement 1800, and a second opening 1822 is associated with second end1820 that is near the lower portion of first guide element 1800. Thus,unlike the embodiments described earlier, a first channel 1870 mayextend continuously from first end 1810 to second end 1820. This may becompared to the embodiment of FIGS. 6-9, where first strap receivingpassage 741 extends from first upper opening 721 towards first loweropening 711, and first lower opening is disposed along a side of firsthollow plate 702.

As shown in FIG. 18, first channel 1870 may be substantially hollow insome embodiments. First channel 1870 may comprise various dimensions,including circular or otherwise round openings in some embodiments,which may permit the passageway to accommodate a tensile element with acircular cross-section. In other embodiments, first channel 1870 mayhave a square or rectangular opening (as depicted in FIG. 18). Firstguide element 1800 may therefore accommodate, support, or facilitate theuse of a tensile element with a square or rectangular cross-sectionalshape.

In FIG. 19, a second guide element 1900 is shown. Second guide element1900 includes a first end 1910 and a second end 1920. In some cases,second guide element 1900 may be substantially similar to first hollowchannel 1102 (as shown in FIG. 11). However, in other embodiments, thecurvature of second guide element 1900 may be increased, and beassociated with a second angle 1950. Second angle 1950 is substantiallyless than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the curvature of second guideelement 1900 may approximate or correspond to the curvature of the upperor other region of the article in which it is incorporated or otherwiseassociated with. In other words, in some embodiments, the contours ofsecond guide element 1900 may be configured to substantially correspondto the contours of the portion of upper 102 in which second guideelement 1900 is disposed (or adjacent to), allowing a smoother and/ormore comfortable fit. Furthermore, second guide element 1900 may includeone or more openings. In FIG. 19, second guide element 1900 has a firstopening 1912 associated with first end 1910, and a second opening 1922that is associated with second end 1920. Thus, unlike the embodimentsdescribed earlier with respect to FIGS. 1-17, a second channel 1970 maycontinuously extend from first end 1910 to second end 1920. This may becompared with the embodiment of FIGS. 10-13, where first strap receivingpassage 1141 extends from first upper opening 1121 towards first loweropening 1111, and first lower opening 1111 is disposed along a side offirst hollow channel 1102.

Second channel 1970 may be substantially hollow in some embodiments. Asdescribed with respect to first channel 1870 in FIG. 18, second channel1970 may comprise various dimensions, including circular or otherwiseround openings in some embodiments, which may permit the passageway toaccommodate a tensile element with a circular cross-section. In otherembodiments, second channel 1970 may have a square or rectangularopening (as depicted in FIG. 19). Second guide element 1900 maytherefore accommodate, support, or facilitate the use of a tensileelement with a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

In FIG. 20, a third guide element 2000 is shown. Third guide element2000 includes a first end 2010 and a second end 2020. In some cases,third guide element 2000 may be substantially similar to first hollowtube 1502 (as shown in FIG. 15). However, in other embodiments, thecurvature of third guide element 2000 may be increased, and beassociated with a third angle 2050. Third angle 2050 is substantiallyless than 180 degrees. In one embodiment, the curvature of third guideelement 2000 may approximate or correspond to the curvature of the upperor other region of article in which it is incorporated or otherwiseassociated with. In other words, in some embodiments, the contours ofthird guide element 2000 may be configured to substantially correspondto the contours of the portion of upper 102 in which third guide element2000 is disposed (or adjacent to), allowing a smoother and/or morecomfortable fit. Furthermore, third guide element 2000 may include oneor more openings. In FIG. 20, third guide element 2000 has a firstopening 2012 associated with first end 2010, and a second opening 2022that is associated with second end 2020. Thus, unlike the embodimentsdescribed with respect to FIGS. 1-17, a third channel 2070 may extendcontinuously from first end 2010 to second end 2020. This can becompared to the embodiment of FIGS. 14-17, where first lace receivingpassage 1541 extends from first upper opening 1521 to first loweropening 1511, and lower opening 1511 is disposed along a side of firsthollow tube 1502.

It can be seen that third channel 2070 may be substantially hollow insome embodiments. As described with respect to first channel 1870 inFIG. 18 and second channel 1970 in FIG. 19, third channel 2070 maycomprise various dimensions, including circular or otherwise roundopenings in some embodiments, which may permit the passageway toaccommodate a tensile element with a circular cross-section. In FIG. 20,third channel 2070 is depicted with a round first opening 2012 and around second opening 2022. In other embodiments, third channel 2070 mayhave a square or rectangular opening, wherein third guide element 2000may therefore accommodate, support, or facilitate the use of a tensileelement with a square or rectangular cross-sectional shape.

While the embodiments discussed with respect to FIGS. 18-20 are depictedin isolation, it should be understood that they may be representative ofa plurality of guide elements. Thus, the features and principles offirst guide element 1800, second guide element 1900, and third guideelement 2000 may be applicable across multiple guide elements disposedin an article of footwear, including the embodiments described abovewith respect to FIGS. 1-17. Furthermore, the features and principles ofthe guide elements described with respect to FIGS. 1-17 may also beapplied to the embodiments of FIGS. 18-20.

It should be understood that the structures described herein can bedisposed in various regions of an article of footwear. In other words,guide elements are not restricted to the locations illustrated in FIGS.1-17. For example, each of the embodiments of the guide elementsdescribed herein may be incorporated along different portions of anarticle of footwear. In one embodiment, a lacing system according to thepresent disclosure may include guide elements that extend along the rearof an upper, near the heel region. In another embodiment, one or moreguide elements may extend over or near the vamp of an article offootwear. The guide elements may extend from the forefoot region to theheel region in some embodiments. In other words, a lacing system mayinclude guide elements that extend not only around the upper along thelateral and medial sides, but also guide elements that extend alongother orientations. In one embodiment, a guide element may be disposedalong the edge of the lacing area, and in some cases, guide elements mayprovide the functionality of eyelets for tensile elements. In anothercase, guide elements may extend from one side of the upper, across thetongue, and toward the opposite side of the upper. In anotherembodiment, guide elements can be disposed or fixed at locations alongthe heel region, facilitating the course of a tensile element around therear of an article of footwear. Thus, guide elements may be disposedsuch that they extend along or within any portion of the article offootwear, including but not limited to the upper and/or sole structure.

In some embodiments, guide elements may be arranged in configurations asdescribed with respect to the tube guides in Gerber et al., U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2013/0138029, published on May 30, 2013,which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.In addition, guide elements may be arranged in configurations asdescribed with respect to the channels in Follet, U.S. PatentApplication Publication Number 2014/0196316, published on Jul. 17, 2014,which application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.Furthermore, the arrangement of guide elements in the presentembodiments may be arranged as described with regard to the tubularstructures of Seamarks, et al., U.S. Patent Application PublicationNumber 2014/0245638, published on Sep. 4, 2014, which application ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

While various embodiments have been described, the description isintended to be exemplary, rather than limiting and it will be apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art that many more embodiments andimplementations are possible that are within the scope of theembodiments. Although many possible combinations of features are shownin the accompanying figures and discussed in this detailed description,many other combinations of the disclosed features are possible. Anyfeature of any embodiment may be used in combination with or substitutedfor any other feature or element in any other embodiment unlessspecifically restricted. Therefore, it will be understood that any ofthe features shown and/or discussed in the present disclosure may beimplemented together in any suitable combination. Accordingly, theembodiments are not to be restricted except in light of the attachedclaims and their equivalents. Also, various modifications and changesmay be made within the scope of the attached claims.

1. (canceled)
 2. An article of footwear, comprising: a midsole; an uppersecured with respect to the midsole and forming a throat; a plurality oflaces extending across the throat of the upper; and a motorized lacingsystem positioned within the midsole, configured to engage with aprimary lace to increase and decrease tension on the primary lace, themotorized lacing system comprising: a motor; a lace spool, operativelycoupled to the motor, configured to spool and unspool the primary lacebased on an action of the motor; and an elongate spool, the primary lacecoupled to the elongate spool, configured to spool and unspool theplurality of laces based on operation of the motor and via the primarylace, each of the plurality of laces spaced along the elongate spoolfrom one another.
 3. The article of footwear of claim 2, wherein theelongate spool has a circular cross section.
 4. The article of footwearof claim 3, wherein the elongate spool is cylindrical.